Western Colorado’s LeRoux Fire: What You Need to Know

Western Colorado is seeing smoke rising from a new wildfire near the Grand Mesa. This fire is the LeRoux Fire, also known as the Leroux Creek Fire, located five miles northwest of Hotchkiss, Colorado.

Firefighters and first responders in Delta County just finished doing the heavy lifting at the Sowbelly Fire site in the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area. Keep scrolling to learn more about how this fire started and the pre-evacuation notices being issued.

Location & Cause of Colorado's LeRoux Fire

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Western Colorado's LeRoux Fire is burning on Oak Mesa, East of 3100 road, and North of Highway 92 between Hotchkiss and Redlands Mesa. This fire started sometime during the afternoon of August 3rd as a result of a lightning strike. Phil Daniels, Incident Commander, reports the fire has burned 179 acres and is 0% contained as of August 5th. Crews from Hotchkiss Fire responded first, with BLM and Division of Fire Prevention and Control engines deployed from Montrose to join the effort.

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LeRoux Fire Evacuation Orders & Affected Areas

In Delta County, evacuations are in effect for residents who live North of where 3100 Road crosses LeRoux Creek. This includes 7X Ranch, the Stoney Creek subdivision, and anyone camping in the area of Forest Service Road 128 to Bailey Reservoir. So far, fifteen homes have been evacuated. 152 homes are on pre-evacuation notice.

Closures are in place at 3100 Road and Redlands Mesa Road (southern end of the evacuation zone). Anyone living in this area who needs to retrieve items, pets, or livestock may be allowed to do so temporarily. The Delta County Sheriff's Office will assist you. They can be reached at 970-872-1215.

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Photos: See All 5 of Western Colorado's Major Wildfires (July 2025)

Get up close to Western Colorado's major wildfires without having to be a firefighter. Imagine what it must have been like to hold back each one of these wildfires, each with its unique challenges for fire crews and first responders.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams